Hundreds of Metrolink drivers to strike in pay dispute this Sunday

UPDATE 08/10/2021

The planned strike for Sunday 10 October has now been cancelled.

<p class='newslink'><span class='readmore'>Read more:</span> <a target='blank' href='/news-features/2/news-headlines/143298/sundays-metrolink-strike-called-off'><span class='newstitle'>Sunday’s Metrolink strike called off</span><span class='dateonline'>Published: 08 October 2021</span></a></p>

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Hundreds of Metrolink drivers and supervisors will walk out in industrial action this Sunday (10 October).

Over 300 drivers and supervisors on Manchester's Metrolink tram network will stage a one-day strike after a ‘poor pay offer put to the workforce’ by operator KeolisAmey Metrolink.

The strike action from Unite the union members comes as talks over pay broke down on 30 September.

Transport for Greater Manchester, which runs the Metrolink service, said “a minimum five per cent, two-year pay award” was rejected by union-member drivers.

Unite says the “initial pay offer amounted to a 1% increase for a 15-month period” – a pay cut in real terms.

The strike will affect trams across the Greater Manchester Metrolink network, on the day of the Manchester Marathon, which is expected to see tens of thousands of runners descend on the city centre.

Unite regional officer Dave Roberts said: “The tram contractor, KeolisAmey, can avoid disruption to the Manchester marathon and our city's other big sporting events by tabling a respectful and decent pay offer.

“Even at this late stage, management has the power to avoid these strikes by improving the pay offer. The ball is now in KeolisAmey’s court.”

Competitors and spectators had been advised by the marathon organisers to use the tram system because road closures in the city will cause disruption for bus passengers and car drivers.

Transport for Greater Manchester is advising everyone to plan ahead, as the tram operator is aiming to run a limited service that day (subject to driver availability). It says race participants and spectators will be prioritised and that there will be shuttle buses running from Piccadilly Gardens and Peel Park and Ride at Event City to Trafford Wharf Road every ten minutes between approximately 6am to 6pm.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “If you are heading out, on public transport or in the car, please plan ahead and allow extra time. Roads and services will be busier, particularly in Trafford, Salford and Manchester city centre, and delays are expected.

“We’re working closely with organisers and operators to help keep people moving, but whether going to an event or not, the main thing people can do to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible, is to check and plan in advance.

“We’ll have lots of customer information available on our website and across our social media channels to help people make informed journey choices and encourage you to think carefully before making any journeys this weekend, and to cycle or walk where possible, especially for shorter trips.”

Unite has also announced strikes for Friday 15 October and Monday 18 October, and a further strike on Sunday 24 October when Manchester United will play Liverpool at Old Trafford.

For travel updates, please head to tfgm.com or follow @MCRMetrolink and @OfficialTfGM on twitter for the latest information and advice on how to make your journey.